Longstanding Ban, Stricter Kite Flying Laws in Punjab Spark Concern Among Overseas Pakistanis and Global Kite Flying Associations”

Longstanding Ban, Stricter Kite Flying Laws in Punjab Spark Concern Among Overseas Pakistanis and Global Kite Flying Associations”
Entire communities thrived during Kite Flying Festivals as thousands of visitors flocked to the city, filling hotels, restaurants, and markets. The economic impact was substantial and the festival was a major event on Lahore’s cultural calendar.
An international kite flying festival is scheduled to be held in Canada from October 1 to 10 and people from 10 countries would be participating
Lahore – The recent imposition of even stricter laws on kite flying in Punjab, despite an existing ban, has sparked a wave of criticism from overseas Pakistanis and kite flying associations abroad. These measures, seen as overly harsh, are being condemned for sending a negative message to foreigners and tarnishing the cultural heritage of Punjab.
“An international kite flying festival is scheduled to be held in Canada from October 1 to 10 and people from 10 countries would be participating while the Punjab government has pushed kite sector to the wall”, overseas Pakistani and domestic stakeholders said.
Catastrophe-hit and destroyed kite industry in Punjab has also appealed to the Chief Minister Punjab Mariam Nawaz for a sympathetic consideration for the revival of kite sector which could not only be a major attraction for the overseas Pakistanis and international tourists but could also generate millions of employment opportunities and a huge revenue in Punjab.
It is noteworthy that the ban on kite flying is specific to Punjab and does not extend to the other three provinces of Pakistan. In these provinces, kite flying and the production of kites and string continue unabated, with significant exports to Gulf countries and Europe. This discrepancy has fueled further criticism, as the ban in Punjab impacts only a part of the industry, while other regions benefit economically from kite exports.
Overseas Pakistanis including Gogi Malik, Shakeel Butt and Iqbal Badsha from Canada, Fawad Hashmi from Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, Zafar Ladla from Al-Riaz, Adnan Ismail from Sweden, Muhammad Javed and various others while international kite flying association including Khobar Kite Flying Association and Riaz Kite Flying Association from Saudi Arabia, Canada Kite Flying Club, Sweden Kite Flying Association, Sweden Kite Flying Association and Association from the other parts of world, who have long cherished the tradition of kite flying, are particularly vocal in their opposition to these laws. Many argue that the ban, coupled with the introduction of more restrictive measures, paints a negative image of Pakistan to the international community. They fear that the suppression of such cultural practices could deter foreigners from engaging with Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.
They are of the view that kite flying is not only a sport but also a symbol of joy and cultural expression in many countries. These associations have raised concerns that Punjab’s rigid stance on kite flying could discourage tourism and weaken the cultural ties that kite flying fosters between nations.
“Kite flying was not just a hobby; it was a way of life for many in Punjab. The government’s refusal to engage with stakeholders and find a balanced solution has destroyed an industry that was once thriving.”
The destruction of the kite flying industry in Punjab is seen as a significant loss in term of culture, employment of millions of people including women and economic activities. Once a source of pride and celebration, the industry’s decline has left many in the region disheartened. “The longstanding ban and new laws are a blow to our culture and traditions,” said the founder of kite flying festival in Pakistan Khawaja Nadeem Saeed Wain, Ustad Amjad Badsha and Ustad Bhura.
They said that historically, kite flying festivals in Lahore, especially during spring season, were more than just cultural events—they were economic powerhouses. These festivals attracted tourists from around the world, contributing significantly to the local economy through tourism, hospitality and the sale of kites and related materials. Entire communities thrived during these festivals, as thousands of visitors flocked to the city, filling hotels, restaurants, and markets. The economic impact was substantial and the festival was a major event on Lahore’s cultural calendar.
In stark contrast, a recently organized kite flying festival in India managed to draw a large number of tourists from over 50 countries, further highlighting the cultural and economic potential of such events. The Indian festival attracted international attention, showcasing kite flying as a cultural symbol that unites people and promotes tourism. This event serves as a stark reminder of what Lahore and Punjab have lost due to the ongoing restrictions.
Overseas Pakistanis, International Kite Flying Association and stake-holders of dead kite industry in Punjab said that the negative impact of ban and move to make laws more strict goes beyond Punjab. It affects how Pakistan is perceived internationally. Kite flying is celebrated across the world and by imposing these harsh measures, we are isolating ourselves from a global tradition.
Critics also pointed out the irony that while the government enforces strict laws on kite flying, other far more dangerous issues continue to claim lives daily. “Dozens of people are dying every day due to motorbike accidents, drug abuse and murders perpetrated by anti-social elements,” said Khawaja Nadeem Saeed Wain. Yet, the focus remains on criminalizing a cultural activity that brings joy and unity to the community. The priorities seem misplaced when so many other serious issues are not being addressed with the same urgency.
As the debate continues many are calling for a more balanced approach that respects the cultural importance of kite flying while addressing safety concerns. They urge the government to work with stakeholders to develop regulations that allow for the safe and responsible practice of kite flying, preserving a tradition that has been an integral part of Punjab’s identity for generations.